Cyclerides.com Weekly
Update
2/15/12
Greetings Riders,
Well, the widely anticipated Arizona Centennial Ride has now
come and gone.
It is always nice when something actually comes
together as was planned or even exceeds expectations and this one certainly did.
(There have been mega sign ups for the newsletter since the ride, so if you are
new to the letter and missed the lead up information to this event, Click Here to get caught
up.) After several months of planning with Mandi Wimmer, Deputy
Director of the Centennial Commission and the ride committee, the AZ Centennial
Ride finally took place this past Saturday and was a huge success. We are still
working through the numbers, but the preliminary count is around 4500 people
attended the event. Bob Kenneavy contacted me on Facebook and said that he took
video of the entire ride from an overpass on I-10 and counted right at 3200
motorcycles in the video. That is a pretty good way to do it.
Whatever the actual number, if you were there, you would
probably agree it is likely the most motorcycles and people that you have ever
seen for one ride in this State. We had 2400 riders pre register,
so I knew it was going to big, but when the first rider showed up at 7 AM for a
10 AM registration and a 2 PM ride, I knew it was going to be special. The idea
behind the staging was to have everyone lined up on the street facing the
direction we were going to leave. With my experience in the past, this is
absolutely the best way to stage so that the line gets going smoothly and it
allows for a smooth transition of all the bikes. Bringing this many bikes out of
a parking lot can become a cluster pretty quick.
By the time we opened the street for parking at 10 AM, there
were already over 200 bikes waiting to go to the street. Shortly after that time
the flood gates opened and it was a solid stream of motorcycles heading in to
stage for the next 3 hours. We were all running around moving signs as fast as
possible and could barely keep up. By 11:00 we had reached capacity on our
initial plan and were into our first contingency. By 12:30 PM we had filled up
our 3rd contingency and were parking bikes in an area we hadn’t ever imagined we
would be. Fortunately we had the space available to get everyone staged. It was
hectic for a while, and we all got some exercise for sure. Things were moving so
fast, I finally just got on the yellow bike to ride around and survey the next
parking area and tried to stay one step ahead. But at the end of the day, it all
turned out as good as could be expected with this many bikes coming all at once.
Riders were met at their bikes by a registration team to get them signed in
and give wristbands. They were then asked to go to the Cyclerides
Photo Gallery to get their T-Shirts and Pins if they had pre-registered. This
kept the lines to a minimum while trying to accommodate 4500 people. Paul Yaffe
and The Copper Chopper showed up band starting playing at 11 AM. This turned out
to be the best weather day of the year reaching 80 degrees and sunny. We
couldn’t have asked for better than that.
At 1:00 PM I got on stage to brief riders of our exit plan and the
route, encouraging everyone to relax, don’t be in a hurry when
leaving, to fully enjoy and receive this historic moment that they were about to
embark on while soaking in this beautiful weather. I then reported that DPS had
shared with me that there were only 2 motorcycles in Maricopa County that were
not at Mesa Riverview for the ride that morning and suggested we go to them and
ask them what the heck they were thinking. Always good to have a little levity
at a time like this, but it didn’t seem to be that far from the truth.
At promptly 2 PM this historic ride commemorating the Arizona Centennial
led by Dierks Bentley and Paul Yaffe on the Copper Chopper was underway and history was in the making for those who participated. I assume only
the optimist’s chose to skip this one and wait for the Bi-Centennial ride in
2112. For me, I thought I would go for the sure thing. It seemed that moving
3200 motorcycles 16 miles went very smooth. It only took 60 minutes to fully
empty the start location and took approximately 40 minutes to complete the ride.
There were a couple of bikes that went down on the ride. Not
sure of the circumstances, but there was one guy that went down and was
originally reported as taken to the hospital in critical condition. The report
the next day was that he had a concussion and some road rash and would be
released that day. Glad to hear that. The other was a woman and the report that
I got was that she had some road rash but not serious. Overall, that is very
good for having that many bikes. Thanks to DPS for executing a safe ride. We all
appreciate your efforts in making this happen.
After parading through
downtown
and making our way to Jefferson St.
for parking, that was soon
filled and the contingencies started there as well. Phoenix police did a great
job of accommodating all of the bikes and eventually filled up Washington
St. along with Jefferson and several side streets. Riders then went
into Best
Fest to enjoy the Centennial Celebrations ending this historic day
for motorcycle riders State wide. I am still finding it hard to believe that the
State actually used a motorcycle, the Copper Chopper as the mascot for the
Centennial and the ride as a signature event to commemorate it. The motorcycle
world has come a long way in the few years. I am proud to be a part of it.
After 18 months of touring the State, Sunday was the big day to give away
the Copper Chopper.
Seventeen monthly drawing winners lined the
main stage and put their ticket in the copper helmet anxiously awaiting their
name to be called. At 4:30 PM Governor Jan Brewer pulled the winning
ticket for the Copper Chopper. A woman by the name of Shelly Rhode from Parker, AZ was
the lucky winner. She reported that neither she nor her husband ride, but now
own a very expensive and famous chopper. Shelly said that they intend to keep
the motorcycle and learn to ride. Hmmm. Might want to keep Paul Yaffe’s number
handy if that is going to be the case. Not only will it be a handful to ride,
but the tax implications will be a little stiff as well probably totaling at
least $30,000. But not a bad price for that bike. See Video of
Drawing.
My guess it that we will all have a chance to buy that bike on E-Bay one of
these days. We shall see. This will begin the second mystery of the
Copper Chopper as we see what happens to it from here. I know the State would
like to see it become a museum piece at some point. Stay tuned!
I would like to thank
Mandi
Wimmer, Deputy Director of the Centennial Commission
for
allowing me to be a part of organizing this ride. It was an honor to donate my
time and experience to the State for this historic event. She did an awesome job
of managing the entire event and putting together the team to help make it all
happen. We were all thrilled to lend a hand. Thanks to the DPS, Mesa Police and
City, Phoenix Police and City as well as the committee members and many others
that had a part in this huge undertaking.
Thanks to Ed Leclere at Chester’s HD for providing Dierks bike and to Lori
Healy of Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale for arranging Tim Hatrick’s bike from
KMLE. And thanks to all of the Cyclerides.com readers that joined
us for the event. I saw a lot of familiar faces that I haven’t seen for a while.
Look forward to seeing you all again during Bike Week.
This whole ride was filmed from start to finish by Roy Garibaldi of the
Positive Side and will be shown on TV 3 in early April. I will give
you plenty of notice to get your DVR ready. I’ve seen all of the camera
placements and this should be an awesome production. Watch the newsletter over
the next few weeks for announcement of when this will air.
Pass this on to your friends who took the ride to sign up for the
Cyclerides.com Weekly Update.
Photo and Video:
Photos by Rusty Childress of Main Event Imaging.
He is a
fantastic photographer. I’m sure you will enjoy these photos. Check back often
as he will be adding many more photos over the next few days. Click
Here to View.
Tidbits and Updates:
Save the Date!
I have been asked this question a lot lately, so here
is the answer.
Bruce Haffner Chopperguy.
This has nothing to do with motorcycles, but it is really good.
Bruce Haffner has done a really cool Demo Reel of shots around Arizona
from his helicopter to promote his Chopper Business. You can also click the
Gallery tab for other video. Click Here to see his web page and click on the
View Demo Reel link.
This Week
Saturday, February 18th
2nd Annual
Lost Dutchman State Park Benefit Ride. All proceed benefit the Lost Dutchman
State Park Directly.
Registration from 9-11am at Superstition
Harley-Davidson 2910 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction AZ $15 Per person. $10 for
party only. Live Music by Pat Roberts and the Heymakers. If you can't Make the
Ride then Please jon us at the park for the Party! Help us keep this State
Treasure Open for years to come. Registration and Park donation coming soon! If
you wish to pre-register click
here. The first 100 ride registrants receive a FREE RIDE
T-Shirt!
Saturday, February 18th
Buddy
Stubbs Anthem Hogs and Dogs. Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson invites you
to eat, drink, ride and have fun!
Head up to Anthem H-D on
Saturday, February 18th, from 11am to 2pm, to take advantage of their incredible
TIRE SPECIAL! Purchase a rear tire and get the front tire for just a $1. Yes,
your read this right, visit anthemhd.com for all information and promotional
details. Be sure to take part in the FREE food and drinks while you wait for
your fresh treads to be mounted. Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson is located
at 41715 N. 41st Dr. Anthem, AZ 05086.
Saturday, February 18th
Deputy
Sheriff William Coleman Memorial Run. End of Watch: Sunday, January 8, 2012.
Deputy Sheriff William Coleman was shot and killed while responding to a
burglary call
in Anthem at approximately 4:15 am. As he and another
deputy arrived at the scene they encountered a male subject inside of a van at a
medical building near the intersection of Anthem Way and Gavilan Peak Parkway.
As they attempted to make contact with the man he opened fire on them with a
rifle, striking Deputy Coleman below his vest. The suspect was killed by return
gunfire from other deputies. William Coleman, the sheriff's deputy who died in
the shootout, was a devoted father and friend who loved fishing, hunting and
working, according to family members. Registration begins 8 AM at Eggs TC Diner
located at 20856 E. Ocotillo Rd. in Queen Creek, AZ. End point Toby Keith’s Bar
in Mesa Riverview. $20 per bike. $25 with passenger. All proceeds go to the
family of William Coleman.
Saturday, February 18th
MMA Beach Party in New River at Roadrunner Bar. From Noon-5pm. $10.00 per person includes Lunch, free bike show, free tattoo contest and
don't forget to wear your best. Hawaiian Shirt we give a trophy for that to.
Live Music by the Brotherhood of Blues. For more information Call Cindy
623-695-5659
Sunday, February 19th
Statewide
Biker Sunday. Everyone Welcome! Bring a friend!
Starts at 10:34
am (get there early for coffee, cookies, and a seat!) New Hope Community Church
- 251 N. Roosevelt St. in Chandler. (just East of the I-10 fwy, off of Chandler
Blvd.). CMA presentation by Kiven Hardison, AZ State Rep. Hear Pastor Eli give a
message that you wont soon forget! KLove will join us! Bring the kids, something
for all ages! Praise and Worship by Evidence of Grace (aka Dan and the Chicks)
Lunch provided by church after service! Homes available to stay Saturday night,
please call if you would like to provide a home, or need one to stay in! For
more information contact Kelly Hokit 480-369-3286
Sunday, February 19th
Cupid’s
Ride. Benefitting Phoenix Children’s Hospital - Heart Center
$25 Single - $35 Couple - Registration and breakfast: 9am at Chuck
Franklin Law - 1920 E. University in Tempe. First 150 registered get ride
T-Shirts and Goody Bag. Kick stands up at 10:00 am - Heading for Mammoth Steak
House & Saloon - 4650 North Mammoth Mine Road in Apache Junction. Last stop
/ End Party : 910 Live - 910 N. McClintock Dr. in Tempe, AZ.
Sinister Industries' Bike Show, People’s Choice Car Show, and Mark Brodie’s
Celebrity Automotive Panel Auction. Whiskey Ranch BBQ; Pin up Pastries, Vendors,
Live music, Raffles, 50/50 and more! Gate
Admission: Adults-$10.00 / Children 11 – up $5.00 / 10 and Under FREE. For
Sponsor or vendor information contact: Jules Elliott - 480-717-0626
Sunday, February 19th
Bikers
Soar for Wildlife. This is the 7th year for this run and from the beginning
this has been a well attended event.
You might have seen my
articles and photos about the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center in the past. If
not, CLICK HERE for Photos and Story. This year the
ride will begin and end at Skunk Creek Flats located at 27201 N. Black Canyon
Hwy. Exit 219. Lunch, T-Shirt and Ride Pin to the first 200 riders. And of
course you will get to see some of the animals you are riding for at the end of
the ride. Registration from 8am - 9:00am (New ride route with more
curves-approximately 110 miles) Music, Raffles, Prizes. Single Rider: $30.00 or
Rider with Passenger: $35.00. More information, please call, 623-587-0139 or
visit the website at www.azwildlifecenter.net.
Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale -
OPEN AND READY TO ROCK & ROLL - New Ownership, New Management, New
Attitude!
This new dealership is on its way to being one-of-a-kind,
providing a WORLD CLASS customer experience; part of the Go AZ Motorcycles
family. Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, WE SELL FUN! And here's some financing
fun: 1% financing on all new 2011 Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles - approved
credit only.
Love is fun: 20% off in-stock STAMPER jewelry from the
Ultra Collection, for that ultra fun loving special someone. Get some if you
know what I mean! Restrictions apply, see dealer staff for details. While
supplies last. HD of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale,
AZ 85260 408.905.1903.
Next Week
Wednesday, February 22nd
ABATE of Arizona is hosting Motorcycle
Day at the Dome on Wednesday, February 22nd from 10am to 3pm.
This event is to allow motorcyclists from across Arizona to meet their
legislators and discuss issues that affect our rights to ride. Meeting place is
the Senate Lawn located at 1700 W. Washington St. in Phoenix, AZ. Contact your
legislatures and make appointments with them. Explain motorcycling issues to our
representatives. Learn the legislative process.
Thursday, February 23rd
Chandler
Harley-Davidson Women’s Garage Party. Do you know a woman interested in
learning about motorcycles?
She can learn more about the sport of
riding at our women-only Garage Party. This is a FREE EVENT that offers fun,
beginner information for women with limited – or even no – background with
motorcycles. Forward this invitation to your female friend and tell her to join
us for one night of fun workshops and festive activities during this event
geared toward women who dream of riding, but just aren’t sure how to get started
on their motorcycle journey. You must RSVP for this event. There is limited
space. So gather your friends and get signed up today! For more information or
to register, email chdmarketing@ridenow.com or call 480-496-6800.
Saturday, February 25th
Buddy
Stubbs Classic Car & Bike Show. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is
hosting a Classic Car and Motorcycle show at the dealership!
Come
by on Saturday, February 25th to enjoy amazing automobiles from a time gone by.
If you would like to enter your classic car to custom motorcycle in the show
simply email marketing@buddystubbs.com. Sweet cars, cool custom bikes, FREE food
and drinks, what’s not to love? The event will run from 11AM - 3PM with prizes
and trophies given away at 3PM. In addition to the already great festivities
Buddy Stubbs H-D will be hosting live music by the 50’s rock band, Come Back
Buddy! Of course there will be tours of Buddy’s Motorcycle Museum and more! We
look forward to having everyone join us and feel free to call Phillip with any
questions at (602) 971-3400. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is located at
13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85022. Or, on the web at www.buddystubbshd.com.
Sunday, February 26th
Arrowhead
Harley-Davidson presents Monopoly Sunday Fun Day Tournament. Who doesn’t
love board games?!? Arrowhead Harley-Davidson hosting a Sunday Fun Day
on February 26th from 11 AM – 4 PM. There will be tables setup with
four rounds of Monopoly going on at one time. After a specific set of time we
will stop the games and have everyone count up their total amount of cash and
assets. Gift cards and other merchandise will be given out for the winners and
the rounds will continue on from there. Arrowhead HD will be offering FREE FOOD
to the tournament participants. They will also have raffle prizes and
music going during the day. RSVP for this event by calling the store at
623-247-5542. Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in
Peoria, AZ.
Upcoming Events
Friday and Saturday, March 2nd and 3rd
2nd Annual Checkered Flag
Run. This is a unique event put on by Alan “A.P.” Powell that incorporates
Motorcycles, NASCAR and Parties, all for one $25 ticket.
The
Checkered Flag Run is a weekend in Arizona hosted by Phoenix International
Raceway, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, and The Radisson Hotel. The weekend
culminates with motorcycle rides to Phoenix International Raceway to watch
NASCAR Drivers tear up the track at the Bashas Supermarkets 200 NASCAR
Nationwide Series race, Saturday March 3rd, 2012. Here is the itinerary for the
weekend:
Friday, March 2nd
Join us for the “Checkered Flag Run Kickstands Down Pre Bash”
at Chandler Harley-Davidson, 12 pm – 4 pm. Free Food, Cold Drinks, & Bikini
Bike Wash!
CFR Meet and Greet at Airia Night Club at Wildhorse Pass. Live
performance by Honey Brown 6PM – 10PM.
Saturday, March 3rd
Checkered Flag Run at PIR. Bike Show and Entertainment 9AM –
Noon. Bike Show first place is $2000 Cash. Race Time 1PM – 4PM. The 3 Amigos
Tequila Leather/Lace Ball at Ovations Live! Show Room at Wild Horse Pass Hotel
and Casino 9PM – 2AM.
March 28th – April 1st
The greatest motorcycle rally in the southwest, Arizona Bike Week, is just
six weeks away!!
Arizona Bike Week kicks off with Pre-Rally Days and there'll
be rides and events from one end of the Valley to the other. Pre-Rally Days run
March 23rd through March 27th. All the best biker-friendly establishments will
be participating in the festivities, guaranteeing to deliver a five day,
non-stop celebration. Once you're good and revved up from
pre-rally events, it's time to really get the party started!!
Cyclefest at WestWorld starts Wednesday, March 28th and you're
not going to want to miss a minute of the excitement! Opening day of Cyclefest brings the Miss Arizona Bike Week Pageant. This
annual event is always a crowd favorite, offering an array of sexy, biker
hotties the chance to strut their stuff on stage, in hopes of being crowned Miss
ABW 2012.
Nightly concerts in The HandleBar
Saloon:
Wednesday, March 28th, we invite you to "Bang Your Head!" with
Quiet Riot.
Thursday, March 29th, it's time to get dirty with
Puddle of Mudd, presented by Paul Yaffe's Bagger
Nation.
Friday, March 30th, you can "Roll with the Changes" to all the
classic rock anthems of REO Speedwagon, presented by Buddy
Stubbs Harley-Davidson.
Saturday, March 31st, straight off an acoustic tour and ready
to get amped up for the bikers, it's Tesla, presented by
Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale.
Just in case you were thinking of resting up on Sunday to get
ready to go back to work, you'd better think again. We've got a full day
of not-to-be-missed events. First, Arrowhead Harley-Davidson presents,
some of our favorite Sons of Anarchy cast members, who will be stopping by to
sign autographs and take pictures. Opie and Lyla, that beloved bad boy
star couple, will be leading a ride into the event and hanging out with us all
afternoon. Then we'll be closing the party the same way we opened it, With a
bang!! Stick around and watch TNT light up the stage with an AC/DC tribute
that'll blow you away!!
All Cyclefest events and concerts are included with your
general admission pass. Go to www.azbikeweek.com for all
the details. Arizona Bike Week's official event publication, the Guide to Ride,
will be out by February 18th. You can pick up your FREE copy at any
participating location.
Extras
Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com
Facebook. New Easy to remember
Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over
3600 FANS! Take a look at
all the new photos posted on the wall. If you are not on Facebook, you can still view the
page, but
you will not be able to post. There will be a link there for you to sign up for
Facebook if you are inclined. Click the LIKE button!
RENTALS: 15% Off your next
rental at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale. Present this ad at time of
reservation. We honor competitors offers. Renting Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
from anyone other than a Harley-Davidson Authorized rentals dealer would be like
renting a tuxedo from a clown store! HD of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N.
Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 408.905.1903. www.hdofscottsdale.com
Watch this funny Bud Light commercial that trades an article
of clothing for a Bud Light. Click Here to
View.
Trask 2012 New Year
Performance Special.
Thinking of new
pipes, intake, cams or all of the above? Start your new year off right, come
into Trask Performances premier dyno tuning center January 1st - 31st for a
FREE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (normally a $75 value). Our tuning
experts will help you make your bike run the way you want it to. Arizona's
premier performance and service center, Trask
Performance! Located at 21601
N. 3rd Ave. in Phoenix, AZ. Call 623-879-8488 to make an appointment and Refer
to this offer from Cyclerides.com.
This is a good example that there is
no limit to stupidity. Bring the Pain compilation. Some of these
hurt just to watch. Click
Here to View
Here is a bonus video.
This is a one minute video that will
make you think. Click Here to View.
Video of the Week: Oh my gosh! This is a lucky couple. Check out
this semi that crosses the median on ice covered road right at this car with a
dash cam.
Click Here to View. Click on the Video of the Week graphic on the
page.
If you would like to sign up for the Cyclerides.com Weekly
Update Click
Here.
Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To
All,
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
All information in
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BDC Products, LLC.
Information may be used only with permission.
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